Melanoma, the most
serious form of skin
cancer, makes up about
five percent of all skin
cancer diagnoses. Anyone
can develop skin cancer, but
those with fair skin are at highest risk. The best protection is
to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you must
be in the sun, cover up with clothing, apply sunscreen, and
wear sunglasses.

Become familiar with your skin. Know the differences
between common moles and those that are at risk for
developing melanoma. About 10
percent of all people have at least one atypical mole,
which indicates a higher risk for developing melanoma.
A procedure called “mole mapping” is recommended for
people with fair skin, large numbers of normal or atypical moles,
or a family history of melanoma.

Mole mapping uses full-body medical photographs to monitor
changes in existing moles and find new lesions that could
be melanomas. The photos are used by the patient and
referring physician as a baseline to help spot any changes
that may occur, assisting in earlier diagnosis of melanoma.
Mole mapping is available at St. Luke’s Mountain States
Tumor Institute, by physician referral. To learn more about
the benefits of this potentially life-saving service, talk with your
dermatologist or family doctor.

The ABCDEs of Moles and Melanoma

Moles, brown spots, and growths on the skin are usually
harmless – but not always. People with more than 100 moles
are at greater risk for melanoma. The first signs can appear in
one or more of these moles. Get to know your skin: Examine
your entire body once a month and have a physician check your
skin once a year.

Asymmetry
If you draw a line through this mole,
the two halves will not match, meaning
it is asymmetrical – a warning sign for
melanoma.

Border
The borders of an early melanoma
tend to be uneven. The edges may be
scalloped or notched.

Color
Having a variety of colors, such as a
number of different shades of brown,
tan, or black. A melanoma may also
become white, red, or blue.

Diameter
Melanomas usually are larger in
diameter than the size of a pencil eraser
(1/4 inch), but may be smaller when first
detected.

Evolving
Any change – in size, shape, color,
elevation, or another trait, or any new
symptom such as bleeding, itching, or
crusting – points to danger.

If you detect any of these warning signs, see a
doctor who specializes in skin cancer and is trained
to recognize a melanoma at its earliest stage. For a
physician referral, Call St. Luke’s at 381-9000.